Small business forum

A FORUM for small businesses in the Gladstone region last night sought to see what was on their minds.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd hosted the forum and invited the Shadow Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson to attend.

Mr O'Dowd said there was plenty to be optimistic about for small businesses in the region, but a unique set of difficulties needed to be addressed.

Mr Billson said the importance of small business to the overall economy couldn't be underestimated. "Many of the small businesses I talk to (around Australia) are doing it pretty tough," Mr Billson. "Most aren't in an area like Gladstone where there is a lot of investment going on."

He said the Opposition had put together a micro-economic plan to support small businesses and was focused on travelling around Australia communicating with small businesses about their plans.

To find out what feedback was received during the forum, see Better Business next Tuesday.